DeSantis issues amended order, superseding all local orders

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an amended order to his statewide safer-at-home executive order that takes effect at midnight tonight.

The new order says that “This Order shall supersede any conflicting official action or order issued by local officials in response to COVID-19.”

This has a couple possible ramifications in Alachua County. One is that DeSantis’ order lists “Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship” as an essential activity, with no restrictions on number of attendees.

Another is that our local occupancy limits in retail establishments should be superseded by the state order, so lines outside grocery stores may go away. All businesses, of course, will be permitted to establish their own limits. [Update: In DeSantis’ press conference today, he said local jurisdictions can impose occupancy restrictions.]